'This is a talented and deep class that will be able to help keep us competing at the national level,' said head coach Bret Simon. 'We will be adding at least two others to the group and I am thrilled with the outstanding work of our assistant coaches.'

Kartunen is an athletic goalkeeper with great experience and excellent potential. The U-18 National Team keeper has been a constant representative for the US since U-14. Kartunen played for the Irvine Strikers club team, the same club team as current Cardinal Chad Marshall. Kartunen attends San Clemente High School and is the son of John and Carole.

Hency, a midfield defender, currently plays on the Region II Olympic Development team. He was a member of the Chaminade College Prep high school state champion team and played club soccer for Scott Gallagher out of Saint Louis. Hency is the son of Gary and Debbie.

Thompson, a midfielder and defender, plays for the Colorado Rush soccer club, the same club that current Stanford players Seyi Abolaji and Matt Janusz hail from and future teammate Marcus Ryan. Thompson is a member of the Region IV Olympic Development team and is in the youth national poll. Thompson is the son of Richard Rosenthal and Felicity Thompson and attends Regis Jesuit High School.

Ryan, a midfielder, is also a member of the Colorado Rush club team with Galen Thompson. He is also a member of the Region IV Olympic Development team and in the youth national poll. Ryan is the son of Pamela.

'This class will be one of the best in the county,' commented Simon.

All four athletes are Adidas ESP participants and will add depth to an experienced Stanford team. The Cardinal compiled an 18-5-2 record in 2002 en route to the College Cup Finals, but lost four seniors to the Major League Soccer draft in January.